CU freshman 7-footer making strides

BOULDER – The biggest roar from Colorado fans Saturday in the home victory over Kansas State followed a blocked shot by Buffs freshman center Ben Mills during the first half.

That’s saying something because there were plenty of opportunities for the crowd to go crazy during a 58-56 win that wasn’t decided until a video replay overruled what might have been a game-winning 3-pointer by Kansas State guard Rodney McGruder.

Mills, a rail-thin 7-footer from suburban Milwaukee, had some moments off the bench during the nonconference part of the schedule but, until Saturday, he had not played in any of the first 10 Big 12 games.

Against Kansas State, Mills recorded with two blocks, no points and no rebounds in 9 minutes on the court. That didn’t exactly warrant headlines. But more important was the fact that he helped the Buffs hang with Kansas State while several CU regulars were on the bench in foul trouble.

“I just keep working hard in practice, doing what I can so hopefully, if my number is called in future games, I’ll be ready,” Mills said.

CU coach Tad Boyle continues to say that Mills has a bright future. “He has really improved in practice, which the public doesn’t see, but the coaches sure see,” Boyle said.

Mills weighs just 215 pounds. But that’s up 10 from when he arrived on campus. It’s impossible to gain weight during the season, but Mills knows that the upcoming offseason will be huge for him in building size and strength.

“In high school I was always the bigger guy. I could just hang back,” he said this week following a practice. “At this level, I’m playing with a lot stronger guys. You have to get lower and be more physical.

“In high school, I could let guys catch the ball on the block and still maybe block their shot. Here, you can’t let guys catch the ball on the block and you have to be stronger and more physical on the block.”